Barthlottia madagascariensis Plant Care
Barthlottia madagascariensis Eb.Fisch.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Barthlottia madagascariensis is the only species in the genus Barthlottia of flowering plants in the family Scrophulariaceae. The large shrub with conspicuous purple flowers is native to a very restricted area in southeast Madagascar and was described in 1996.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Barthlottia madagascariensis?
Water Barthlottia madagascariensis every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Barthlottia madagascariensis Native To?
What Is the Barthlottia madagascariensis?
Barthlottia madagascariensis (Barthlottia madagascariensis) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Barthlottia genus. Barthlottia madagascariensis is native to a very restricted area in southeast Madagascar and was described in 1996.
Barthlottia madagascariensis displays a compact, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Barthlottia madagascariensis produces small, tubular flowers in shades of purple and white.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Barthlottia madagascariensis?
Barthlottia madagascariensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Barthlottia madagascariensis Need?
Barthlottia madagascariensis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Barthlottia madagascariensis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Barthlottia madagascariensis Prefer?
Barthlottia madagascariensis grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Barthlottia madagascariensis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Barthlottia madagascariensis?
Well-draining, aerated soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Barthlottia madagascariensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Barthlottia madagascariensis?
Feed Barthlottia madagascariensis every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Barthlottia madagascariensis?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Barthlottia madagascariensis?
Barthlottia madagascariensis can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Barthlottia madagascariensis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Barthlottia madagascariensis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Barthlottia madagascariensis?
Barthlottia madagascariensis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Barthlottia madagascariensis Need?
Barthlottia madagascariensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Barthlottia madagascariensis is native to a very restricted area in southeast Madagascar and was described in 1996. In cooler regions, grow Barthlottia madagascariensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Barthlottia madagascariensis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Barthlottia genus — compare its care with other Barthlottia species on PlantoScan.
Barthlottia is part of the Scrophulariaceae plant family — browse all Scrophulariaceae genera and species.
Barthlottia madagascariensis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Barthlottia madagascariensis Eb.Fisch., family Scrophulariaceae (first published in Bull. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat., B, Adansonia 18: 352 (1996)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Barthlottia madagascariensis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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